An unstated premise, assumption, or conclusion that an audience “fills in.” These often work because it taps into implicit thinking about the topic or issue. It is also a kind of syllogism.

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It usually has an X Y Z type structure, however, the structure can be configured differently.

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• X (major premise)

• Y (minor premise – example or reason or X)

• Z – Conclusion

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Configuration I

Y is an example of X, therefore it follows that Z or Y is a reason for X, therefore it follows that Z

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Example of configuration I

Human beings are warmblooded (X).

Kevin is a human being (Y).

Kevin is warmblooded (Z). 

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Breaking it down:

Because humans are warmblooded, and Kevin is a human being, Kevin is warmblooded. In this example, reasons are given for the conclusion. This enthymeme is very straight forward.

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Configuration II

Because Z, X and Y

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Example of configuration II

Because British people like tea, expats from Britain who live in my neighborhood support the continued operation of the high tea store downtown. 

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Breaking it down:

The conclusion that British people like tea is supported by the idea that expats from Britain buy a lot of tea, and that the high tea store wouldn't exist if they didn't patronize it.

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Whether the argument is convincing is up to the audience's assumptions.

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Configuration III

Just Z

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Example of configuration III

Think Different (Z) (Apple slogan)

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Breaking it down:

Think Different - Z

Apple is different - X

Think Apple - Y

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Above, the major and minor premises are hidden. 

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The configurations don’t have to stay as stated above, it can remixed as needed. 

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